Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto to leave retired President Uhuru Kenyatta alone, as he launched fresh attacks on the government.
Gachagua spoke on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during a church service at PEFA Church in Karatina, Nyeri County, where he also addressed his ongoing Wamunyoro consultations and his political plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said he would formally present the outcome of the 45-day consultations at Wamunyoro on Monday, August 24, as the meetings come to an end.
“I will give the full report on the Wamunyoro consultations on Monday as the conclave comes to the end,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader said the consultations had enabled him to listen to Kenyans and gather views on the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meetings at his Wamunyoro residence have involved delegations from different regions and groups as he seeks to shape a political strategy for the next election.
Gachagua also mounted a spirited defence of Uhuru, warning Ruto against involving the retired president in his political battles.
“Uhuru Kenyatta must be allowed to enjoy his retirement without Ruto bothering him,” he said.
He further praised Uhuru for rejecting attempts to work with Ruto, saying the former president risked damaging his reputation if he returned to the government’s political fold.
“I want to laud President Uhuru for rejecting any attempts by Ruto to work with him. If he agrees to work with Ruto he will taint his name,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua’s latest remarks came as Uhuru himself spoke publicly in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he urged political leaders to allow Kenyans to freely choose their preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Turning his guns on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Gachagua mocked him over his recent warning to Kenyans against going to places where “goons” are expected.
“Kijana mdogo mtukutu,” Gachagua said in reference to Murkomen, in remarks that immediately drew political attention.
Gachagua also sought to distance himself from the failures of the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that he had tried to prevent the government from imploding while he served as Deputy President.
“I am not responsible for the regime’s failures. I tried to save Ruto from destabilising his own government,” he said.
The former Deputy President has increasingly intensified his criticism of Ruto as he positions the DCP as part of the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 polls.
His Wamunyoro consultations have been closely watched as he weighs the political options available to the Mt Kenya region and the wider opposition.
Gachagua is expected to conclude the consultations on Monday before embarking on the next phase of his political programme.
He has also announced plans to travel to the United States on Wednesday, August 26, with his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, for engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora and discussions on his political strategy.
